Orlando is home to theme parks and fun nightlife, but many people don't realize that we are surrounded by beautiful parks and trails that provide access to explore the real Florida right around your Orlando apartment. We picked some popular spots throughout the area for you to explore. Whether you are a student in Orlando, a working professional or perhaps you are staying in a vacation apartment in Orlando, and you are looking for places to visit to escape the busyness of the city and explore nature, we have the list for you.
Let's start in the center. Located in downtown Orlando, you will find the popular destination of Lake Eola. Many area residents frequent the lake to rent swan-shaped paddle boats, or the many events held on the lake shore, but there is a sidewalk that circles the lake, which is almost one mile in length. This may be an excellent spot to stroll in nature on your lunch break if you work in the downtown area.
This park includes 183 acres located in the MetroWest area alongside Turkey Lake. It is a popular park with many recreational activities for every age, including canoeing, fishing, and hiking. A bike and walking path is centralized in the park and is almost two miles long.
This park is located near UCF and is perfect for University of Central Florida students and families in the area. The Little Econ Greenway Trail runs through the park and is a paved 7.4-mile option to explore nature along the Little Econ River.
If you are an experienced hiker and looking to truly be out in nature, this forest is located west of Sanford. Explore miles of multiple-use trails in the forest hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, canoeing, or kayaking, fishing and camping.
West of the Orlando area located south of Clermont in Lake County you will find this park, nicknamed a natural theme park and ready to be explored. There are three major lakes in the park for use by canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. There is a paved seven-mile trail great for bicycling and another twenty miles of unpaved multi-use trails.
Located south of Kissimmee, this preserve is perfect for exploring Florida's natural beauty, with over 11,500 acres and over ten miles of walking trails along the shores of Lake Russell.
Whether you like to spend some time in nature relaxing, going for a walk or doing more adventurous activities, there are many options right here in Orlando. Your apartment in Orlando may have its own nature trails as part of its amenities, but we hope you find this list helpful as you explore nature in our area.